3. Do you
want to learn self-defense to protect yourself and your beloved ones?

4. Last but not least, do you want to be well-known and become a Judo champion, Judo Olympian, to get scholarship right at school and college?

Judo, which means "The Gentle Way", is a Japanese martial art based upon the ancient techniques of jujutsu. Dr. Jigoro Kano, President of the University of Education in Tokyo, developed judo in 1882. Dr. Kano, who had studied jujutsu , incorporated the best of these ancient techniques into the new art of Judo. Dr. Kano subsequently founded the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan as an place to teach his new art.

San Jose Judo Academy

Established since 2010, is a
member of the United States Judo Federation (USJF); USA JUDO (USJI), Northern
California Judo Association, Hokka Judo Yadanshakai. We pride ourselves in
serving the community by providing a means for families and individuals to
enjoy Judo as an organized sport or recreational activity.

So far, we have more than ten Judokas who compete at local tournaments, State Judo Championship, National & International Judo championship, US Open, Junior Olympic... They all bring home gold, silver and bronze medals.

Head Judo Instructor, My Nguyen was a Judo champion in Vietnam. She has many years of experience in training and coaching Judo for all ages. Besides that, we have other instructors and coaches: David and Mathew.

Judo Techniques Judo is known for its spectacular throwing techniques but also includes numerous techniques for controlling an opponent while on the ground. Judo is often compared to freestyle wrestling and while the two share many techniques, Judo retains many dangerous self-defense maneuvers. A good judoka, one who practices Judo, will first use timing and leverage to bring his opponent off balance and execute a throw. Once the judoka has thrown his opponent to the ground, he will use painful hold-down techniques, chokes, strangleholds, and armlocks to control and subdue the opponent. If the opponent does not surrender, he will either have his elbow joint dislocated by means of an armlock or will be rendered unconscious with a chokehold. A judoka first learns "ukemi", the art of falling properly to avoid injury. All Judo practitioners wear a judogi and a belt. Judo is practiced on mats for safety.

Judo Philosophy The main principles of Judo are "Minimum Effort, Maximum Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit." The goal of maximum efficiency teaches the judoka to use the least amount of physical strength necessary to throw an opponent. This is accomplished by proper use of technique and timing. The goal of mutual welfare and benefit was an extension of Dr. Kano's belief that Judo could help the individual become a better member of society. Dr. Kano felt that the personal discipline that Judo taught would extend beyond the dojo into daily life and could allow the judoka to become a more productive member of society.

Judo is a sport In 1964, Judo became the first martial art to be sanctioned as a medal sport in the Olympic Games. Judo competitions are also held throughout the world.

Other Aspects About Judo People practice Judo for many different reasons such as exercise, self-defense, a social activity and for many practitioners Judo becomes a way of life. But if you ask most judoka why they train Judo, they will say that the practice Judo because it is fun. Judo is a great exercise routine. It promotes flexibility, develops speed and co-ordination, strengthens the cardiovascular system, and promotes balanced muscular development. Many Judo techniques can also be employed as a means of self-defense. The throws and chokeholds of Judo are particularly effective if one is forced to deal with an assailant. Judo ranks are awarded for developing proficiency in certain techniques and for regular practice. All judoka begin as white belts. Over time, they may earn a yellow belt, orange belt, green belt, blue belt, three degrees of brown belt, and finally a black belt.

Etiquette is an important part of the sport of judo. Players are expected to respect their practice partners, opponents, their instructors, coaches, and the referees and officials at tournaments.